WASHINGTON, D.C. — Small manufacturers across the United States could receive expanded training, consulting, and technical support through a new $50 million federal grant initiative aimed at strengthening domestic supply chains and growing manufacturing jobs.
What This Means for You
- Up to 10 organizations nationwide could receive federal grants to support small manufacturers.
- Eligible manufacturers may gain access to free training, consulting, and workforce assistance.
- Applications for grant funding are due June 15 through Grants.gov.
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the Manufacturing in America Empower to Grow Grant Initiative, which will provide up to $50 million in awards to organizations that assist small manufacturers in key industrial sectors.
The program is part of the SBA’s broader Empower to Grow initiative, formerly known as the 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance Program, which helps eligible small businesses improve operations, hiring, regulatory compliance, and government contracting readiness.
Government contracting readiness refers to preparing businesses to compete for federal, state, and local government contracts by improving compliance, operations, and bidding capabilities.
According to the SBA, eligible applicants can include for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, trade associations, professional associations, and educational institutions.
Applicants must have existed continuously for at least three years and demonstrate experience providing technical assistance or manufacturing-related training on a regional or national scale.
Organizations also must show they have the ability to provide hands-on manufacturing training and support services to small businesses.
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by June 15 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
Additional details about the funding opportunity are available at Manufacturing in America E2G Grant Opportunity.
Industries Targeted for Support
The SBA said the initiative is focused on industries considered important to domestic manufacturing and supply chain operations.
Eligible industries include aerospace, shipbuilding, rail equipment, mining, industrial machinery, construction equipment, metal fabrication, electrical equipment, food processing, medical manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, and robotics.
The Empower to Grow program offers free business courses, one-on-one consulting, and in-person training intended to help businesses expand operations and compete for government contracts.
Broader Manufacturing Strategy
The SBA said small manufacturers account for 98% of manufacturers nationwide and described the initiative as part of a larger federal manufacturing strategy under the Trump administration.
“SBA is proud to stand with the small manufacturers driving that resurgence,” SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said in a statement announcing the initiative.
The agency also highlighted several additional manufacturing-focused initiatives launched this year, including a 90% Made in America loan guarantee program for manufacturers and fee waivers for certain manufacturing-related loans during Fiscal Year 2026.
The SBA additionally announced what it described as the first federal loan program dedicated specifically to American manufacturers and launched the Make Onshoring Great Again Portal, an online tool intended to connect businesses with domestic suppliers and producers.
The administration said the broader effort is intended to encourage companies to expand manufacturing operations within the United States and reduce reliance on overseas supply chains.
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